Trying to get the big picture

Notre Dame suffers from a perception deficit. Opinion polls show the Irish losing support from the media, the coaches, even the dispassionate computers. They have a respectable 6-1 record to run on -- however fortunate -- compiled against a decent enough schedule. Four teams with one loss rank ahead of them in the coaches poll, five in the Associated Press. Sounds about right, give or take a team or two. Yet the prevailing impression seems to be that the 11th-ranked Irish are beyond overrated, that their narrow victories count just a little less than everyone else's, that their flaws infect them more. It reached the point this week that Charlie Weis engaged in a little impromptu politicking, which only inspired more mudslinging toward his team. That reaction suggested much of the nation must view Notre Dame's performance this election season through the skewed lens of negative campaign ads: * * * Fade in on an unflattering photo of Charlie Weis ... Snarky voice over: Charlie Weis doesn't understand why Notre Dame is slipping in the polls. Cue video of Weis speaking at his Tuesday press conference: "Tell me how that works. Maybe I'm just stupid." Snarky voice over: Sorry, Charlie ... Spliced clips of turnovers, missed tackles, field goals sailing wide, false starts and botched quarterback-center exchanges, culminating with a bumbling fumble Michigan returns for a touchdown. Dissolve into a shot tightening in slow motion on a scoreboard that reads Michigan 47, Notre Dame 21. Cue video of out-of-context quote from Weis at his first public appearance as the Notre Dame coach: " ... Well, guess what? That's just not good enough. ... " The phrase "just not good enough" echoes as a picture of a smirking Weis fills the screen ... Snarky voice over: Charlie Weis and Notre Dame -- just not good enough. * * * Fade in on video of Brady Quinn getting sacked against Michigan and standing up with a hunk of turf caught in his facemask ... Snarky voice over: Does this look like a Heisman Trophy winner to you? Cut to Michigan State's Ervin Baldwin intercepting a pass deep in Notre Dame territory. Cue out-of-context sarcastic quote from Charlie Weis at media day: "... Yeah, there's my Heisman Trophy winner ... " Cut to a montage of Quinn under duress against Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State and UCLA, alternately taking sacks and throwing the ball away. Cut back to Baldwin's interception return and Quinn's futile dive to prevent a touchdown. Freeze the frame on Quinn face down on the turf. Snarky voice over: Brady Quinn, another Golden Boy caught -- cut to video of Paul Hornung speaking at last week's pep rally -- with his pants down. Dissolve into a photo of Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith celebrating last year's Fiesta Bowl victory. Upbeat voice over: I'm Troy Smith, and I approved this message. * * * Fade in on the Notre Dame defense digging in at the line of scrimmage, pan back to the linebackers shifting during the snap count, then to the secondary fanning into their alignment ... Cut to Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham's first touchdown catch against Notre Dame. Stat stamped on the screen: 78th in pass defense. Cut to Michigan State's Jehuu Caulcrick running over and through the Irish. Stat stamped on the screen: 44th in rushing defense. Cut to Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson screening out an Irish defender to leap for a reception in the end zone. Stat stamped on the screen: 69th in pass efficiency defense. Cut to Manningham's second touchdown catch. Stat stamped on the screen: 65th in scoring defense. Cut to Purdue's Selwyn Lymon running free for an 88-yard touchdown as two Notre Dame players collide. Stat stamped on the screen: 61st in total defense. Cut to Manningham's third touchdown catch. Quick cut to Stanford walk-on Kelton Lynn's 57-yard scoring catch. Quick cut to UCLA's Marcus Everett cutting across the field for a 54-yard touchdown. Dissolve into an image of Michael Dukakis riding in a tank. Snarky voice over: Notre Dame ... strong on defense? Small print voice over: Paid for by the committee to impeach Rick Minter.